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28 Sep 2009

Review: The Golden Thread: The Ageless Wisdom of the Western Mystery Traditions (Joscelyn Godwin)

My first encounter with Joscelyn Godwin’s work occurred about 10 years ago while leafing through an issue of the journal Rûna. Godwin’s article, “Polar and Solar Symbolism”, profoundly opened me to an esoteric school of thought that captivates my mind to this very day. Since then, I have read a handful of his other works, including the truly astounding Arktos which provided a foundation for further philosophical and spiritual inquiry. Henceforth, it continues with his latest book, The Golden Thread. For those who are unfamiliar with Godwin, this latest offering is as good a place to start as any. In fact, it may be his most accessible work to date. …

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21 Sep 2009

Old Ways for a New Day ~ Editorial

With this issue of Hex, the magazine’s slogan has been changed – no longer is it “For the Heathen Household,” but rather “Old Ways for a New Day.” The change represents a refinement of, and rededication to, the magazine’s essence. “Old Ways For A New Day” invites us to go beyond literalism. Our folk heritage is more than dusty museum pieces: this slogan reminds us that Heathenry is a living force that embodies a much more fertile world view than those that reign in this modern age. The world view I have in mind is called optimism. I think optimism – choosing to look for and live out the positive story lines – was essential to the flourishing of the premodern European peoples and their traditions. Living so much closer to nature, to death, and to mystery must have demanded it. Optimism must have carried many generations of folk through the hardships of harvests, migrations, winters, and wars. …

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21 Sep 2009

Returning to Our Ancestors

This is not a scholarly work, although I’ve read and researched quite a bit. My purpose is to share the insights and thoughts in my path from a childhood in Buffalo, New York to the Heathen way of life. This may help others identify similar dormant yearnings in themselves or others who are moving towards Heathenry. I also want to document the awakening process of coming home to our ancestral religion and culture. The title started out, Returning to the Gods of Our Ancestors. But in writing this article, I saw that my return was two-fold. My first step was to acknowledge the importance of ancestors in our lives. Through them, I was able to take the second step towards a relationship with our Gods. This article explores my first step. …

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21 Sep 2009

Autumn Equinox 2009 News

~ THE TURNING OF THE WHEEL ~

Autumn Equinox 2009

Issue #5 is Here!

By the Hum of Ullr’s Bow: …

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21 Sep 2009

What I Learned From My Grandparents: My Opa, Pierre Repping, Was...

My Opa, Pierre Repping, was an inarticulate Dutchman whose hands created marvellous gadgets, could fix anything, were pretty skilled at painting, and crafted elaborate grandfather clocks. He had been an instrument maker for most of his working life. When I was a child we spent hours and hours in his garage, making wooden swords, go-carts, and half a hundred other projects. …

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21 Sep 2009

What I Learned From My Grandparents: My Grandparents Came From Sweden...

My grandparents came from Sweden. As both my parents worked full time, I was practically brought up by them. They were Lutheran; she (Hulda) very much so, he (Nils) not so much. But they were still both very Heathen by American standards. Standard fare for bedtime stories was Grimms’ Fairy Tales – Copyright MCMXLV Grosset & Dunlap, Inc. (I still have the book), along with stories about Trolls, Giants, and the Gods. They still spoke Swedish and delighted in teaching me, an only child at the time. …

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21 Sep 2009

What I Learned From My Grandparents: Although both of my grandparents are resting within the Earth...

Although both of my grandparents are resting within the Earth, their spirits, and their lessons, walk beside me every day. …

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21 Sep 2009

What I Learned From My Grandparents: In Memoriam For Carolyn McManaman – Born Carolyn Potratz

Besides making the best spaghetti I’ve ever had, the overwhelming memory I have of my Grandmother is that she was kind and accepting. She never treated me like the black sheep that I am. I remember a Christmas when I was 16 and she confided in me that she finally figured out how to shop for me. “I can get you a skirt, but it has to go with combat boots.” No judgment. No lecture about how young girls should behave. …

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21 Sep 2009

Od's Girl

if you were not a fool you would see me for what I am you who sits so comfortably in the fine saddle of a fine mount you who dares to ride out to war without paying me my due …

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21 Sep 2009

Spicy Pickled Vegetables

The longer they ferment, the better the flavor… …

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21 Sep 2009

Dutch Apple Cinnamon Bread

This is a recipe that will fill your Home with the familiar fragrances particular to the Yule Tide. …

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21 Sep 2009

Venison Paprika Stew

There is nothing finer than to come in from a cold, wet day to enjoy this hearty stew. …

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21 Sep 2009

Butter Grog

This is an extraordinarily rich beverage, and will no doubt contribute to the weal of your “winter coat”! Prost! …

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